Success Stories: Brendon

At the time, completing mock interviews felt like a chore, but when I began interviewing for jobs my senior year, I found the interview prep and tips to be nothing short of invaluable.

How have you benefited from using the Career Center services?

During my criminal justice major, I met with my AddRan Career Consultant, Terrence Hood, several times for mock interviews that were required as graded class activities. At the time, completing mock interviews felt like a chore, but when I began interviewing for jobs my senior year, I found the interview prep and tips to be nothing short of invaluable. On a sidebar, the free professional headshot I had taken through the Career Center added a nice touch to my LinkedIn profile.

How did working with the Career Center impact your internship/job search?

The Career Center hosted my current employer, Keyot, for an info session on campus. After the session, I asked the presenter about the application process, and he told me that it was two stages: an initial phone screening and, if passed, a four-hour group interview. I handed the presenter my resume and as we began talking, our conversation morphed into a spontaneous job interview. After our talk, he invited me to the group interview on the next evening, and I received an offer within a week. Had TCU not hosted this company for a recruiting/info session open to all majors, I would not have the amazing opportunity to work for Keyot as a business to business consultant.

What was the most helpful advice given to you by the Career Center?

The S.T.A.R. method for answering interview questions proved itself in the interview process. When I first learned about S.T.A.R., I had my doubts as to its efficacy, but I can now attest that it is unparalleled in its ability to impress in the interview room.

What challenges were you facing and how did the Career Center help you solve them or motivate you to solve them?

I had graduated in May, and I was five months into a job that I did not enjoy. After talking with some of my peers in the consulting world, I realized that I wanted to make the switch into the business world of client-facing delivery work. Unfortunately, as I reached out to the recruiters for different consulting firms, I realized that the jump from non-business major into the consulting world was a difficult one. The Career Center re-energized my job search when I learned about their consulting info session. The contact I made at the event turned into a job offer.

What advice would you give others facing the same challenges you did?

In a long job search, do not lose heart! At times, fear of not landing your dream job will tempt you into a compromise by taking a less-attractive offer. In my job search, I had several offers that I declined, because they did not perfectly align with my career goals. In the end, my determination paid off, and I received my dream job in my dream industry.

Where there any specific events you went to that were beneficial? If so which one and why was it helpful?

Without a doubt, the “Consulting as a Career” info session was the most helpful Career Center event that I attended. If the Career Center ever hosts an event for one company, and it is open to your major, attend the event! Compared to career fairs, an info session for a single company is a more intimate experience that allows you and the company’s representatives to exchange more detailed information over a longer time.